By: Brittany Simmons

On November 18, 2020 United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated their policy manual to reflect that they will deny applications for United States citizenship by naturalization when individuals have not properly obtained or maintained their lawful permanent residence (LPR) or green card status.

USCIS has stated that individuals who obtained LPR status in error or otherwise illegally are not eligible for naturalization. Additionally, USCIS will review whether applicants for naturalization maintained their LPR status. If applicants do not demonstrate that they maintained LPR status on their application for US citizenship, USCIS may deny their application and may place them in removal proceedings by issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA).

The agency has also stated that they will deny applications for naturalization filed on or after the effective date if the applicant is in removal proceedings based on an arrest warrant.

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For help understanding how this policy guidance impacts you and for help with other case-specific questions, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP attorney.